PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF CYCLOALKANONES AND/OR CYCLOALKANOLS

摘要

A process for the preparation of cyclohexanones and/or cyclohexanols by catalytic hydrogenation of cyclohexyl hydroperoxides is disclosed. In the invented process use is made of a finely divided catalyst that is suspended in the reaction mixture and contains one or more noble metals from Group VIII of the Periodic System of Elements, preferably rhodium platinum and/or palladium. With the invented process a high reaction rate can be achieved already at a low reaction temperature and a hydrogen pressure, while the desired products are obtained in a high yield. Very little catalyst is needed for achieving a given rate of reaction. The invention permits advantageous application of catalysts with very high noble-metal concentrations. Favourable alcohol/ ketone ratios can be achieved. The invention also offers solutions for specific problems which may occur in performing the invented process. Advantageous incorporation of the invented process into an overall process for the preparation of cyclohexanols and/or cyclohexanones from a cyclohexane via a cyclohexyl hydroperoxide is disclosed.